took it by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "took it by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone accepted or seized an opportunity or situation. Example: "When the chance to lead the project arose, she took it by the reins and made it a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Or to see Aunt Dahlia in the new editor, Rachel Johnson, who, in The Lady and the Revamp (Channel 4), arrived full of beans ("It's going to be bags of fun!"), took it by the scruff of its neck and shook it till its dentures dislodged.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Spain took it by force.

The New York Times

Then Germans who took it by storm.

The Guardian - Books

Benny came out of the checkroom and said, "Somebody must have took it by mistake.

The New Yorker

At last he said, "Maybe somebody took it by mistake and throwed it away".

The New Yorker

Sadettin took it by the butt, and looked at itin disbelief.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Venter to take it by a head.

The Guardian - Sport

What if I cannot take it by the suggested date?

Stanford University

Take it by the hand.

Huffington Post

"Venezuela is taking it by surprise".

Vice

I just took it point by point".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "took it by" to convey a sense of seizing an opportunity or achieving something through decisive action. It's suitable when you want to emphasize the directness and effectiveness of the action.

Common error

While versatile, "took it by" can sound informal in highly professional or academic writing. Consider alternatives like "secured it through" or "achieved it by" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took it by" primarily functions as a phrasal verb construction, often used to indicate the manner in which something was achieved or obtained. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "took it by" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe how an opportunity was seized or a victory was achieved. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it's frequently used in News & Media and Encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral register. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "secured it through" or "achieved it by". Remember, while "took it by" is widely applicable, be mindful of the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message. The examples provided showcase its diverse usage, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seized it by

Emphasizes a forceful or decisive grasp, similar to "took it by" but with a stronger connotation of control.

grabbed it by

Suggests a quick and immediate action, similar to taking an opportunity without hesitation.

captured it by

Implies gaining possession or control, often in a competitive or strategic context.

won it by

Focuses on the achievement of winning something, highlighting the successful outcome.

attained it by

Highlights the process of reaching a goal or acquiring something through specific actions.

acquired it through

Emphasizes the method or means by which something was obtained.

gained it via

Similar to "acquired it through", indicating a specific channel or pathway to acquisition.

obtained it by means of

Formal alternative, emphasizing the resources or strategies used to achieve a result.

secured it by

Highlights the act of making something safe or certain, often through proactive measures.

achieved it through

Focuses on the successful completion of a task or goal, emphasizing the effort involved.

FAQs

What does "took it by" mean?

The phrase "took it by" generally means to seize an opportunity, win something, or gain control through a specific action. It often implies a proactive and decisive approach.

What are some alternatives to "took it by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "seized it by", "grabbed it by", or "won it by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "took it by"?

Yes, "took it by" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts. It follows standard English grammar rules.

How can I use "took it by storm" in a sentence?

You can use "took it by storm" to describe something or someone that becomes suddenly and overwhelmingly popular or successful. For example: "The new band "took it by storm", selling out venues across the country."